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insincere Definition

in·sin·cere (in′sin sir′)

adjective

not sincere; deceptive or hypocritical; not to be trusted

Etymology: L insincerus

insincere Related Forms
in′·sin·cere′ly adverb
insincere Synonyms

insincere

modif.

deceitful, artificial, shifty, two-faced*; see affected 2, dishonest 1, hypocritical, sly 1.

insincere Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • not: This was not insincere: Paddy Ashdown's diaries reveal Blair's obsession with Saddam's arsenal as long ago as 1997.
  • so: NH: Well no, ' cause that would be so insincere.
  • always: Manipulation always appears in the context of communication and the manipulator's intentions are covert, albeit not always insincere.

Modifies a noun

  • apology: Ann confronts Joan in front of the Minister, but he sides with Joan after she has offered a sickeningly insincere apology to Ann.
  • smile: Boxed Material: Posed versus spontaneous emotional displays: Can you tell a sincere smile from an insincere smile?
  • flattery: Embarrassing, insincere, formulaic flattery makes God mellow.
  • clich: Then there is the use in prayer of insincere religious cliches.
  • worship: He has the spirit of the true prophet in him in his denunciation of insincere worship.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: His apology to me seemed as insincere as his motives.
  • become: It either falls into jargon or it becomes really insincere.